- A
Run a full system restore to fix the memory management error.
Why wrong: A system restore fixes software issues, not hardware errors. The diagnostic has confirmed a hardware fault.
- B
Update the motherboard BIOS to improve memory compatibility.
Why wrong: BIOS updates can improve compatibility, but they won't fix a physically faulty RAM module that has been diagnosed with errors.
- C
Replace the faulty RAM stick with a new one of the same specifications.
Since the diagnostic identified a hardware fault, replacing the defective module is the appropriate corrective action.
- D
Remove both sticks and clean the contacts with a pencil eraser.
Why wrong: Cleaning contacts can help with intermittent issues, but the diagnostic has confirmed errors on one stick, indicating a hardware failure that cleaning won't fix.
Quick Answer
The correct next step is to replace the faulty RAM stick with a new one of the same specifications. Once Windows Memory Diagnostic or a similar tool confirms errors on a specific module, the technician must remove and replace that stick because running the system with faulty memory can cause data corruption, random crashes, and boot failures like the reported Memory Management Error. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the troubleshooting methodology—specifically, that after identifying a failed component, you must replace it with an identical or compatible part, not simply reseat it or run additional tests. A common trap is to assume the technician should swap the sticks into different slots or test them individually first, but the diagnostic has already isolated the fault; the immediate action is replacement. Remember the mnemonic "DDR: Diagnose, Determine, Replace" to lock in the correct sequence.
220-1201 RAM Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of ram. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A user reports that their PC sometimes fails to boot, and when it does, they see a message saying 'Memory Management Error.' They have two 4 GB sticks of DDR3 RAM installed. A technician runs Windows Memory Diagnostic and finds errors on one stick. What should the technician do next?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Replace the faulty RAM stick with a new one of the same specifications.
Once a memory diagnostic confirms errors on a specific module, the correct next step is to replace the faulty stick. Running the system with faulty RAM can lead to data corruption and crashes. The technician should identify the bad module (often by testing one at a time) and replace it with a compatible module.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Run a full system restore to fix the memory management error.
Why it's wrong here
A system restore fixes software issues, not hardware errors. The diagnostic has confirmed a hardware fault.
- ✗
Update the motherboard BIOS to improve memory compatibility.
Why it's wrong here
BIOS updates can improve compatibility, but they won't fix a physically faulty RAM module that has been diagnosed with errors.
- ✓
Replace the faulty RAM stick with a new one of the same specifications.
Why this is correct
Since the diagnostic identified a hardware fault, replacing the defective module is the appropriate corrective action.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
Remove both sticks and clean the contacts with a pencil eraser.
Why it's wrong here
Cleaning contacts can help with intermittent issues, but the diagnostic has confirmed errors on one stick, indicating a hardware failure that cleaning won't fix.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
RAM — This question tests RAM — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Replace the faulty RAM stick with a new one of the same specifications. — Once a memory diagnostic confirms errors on a specific module, the correct next step is to replace the faulty stick. Running the system with faulty RAM can lead to data corruption and crashes. The technician should identify the bad module (often by testing one at a time) and replace it with a compatible module.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.
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